Side Effects of Fish Oil

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Side Effects of Fish Oil

by Caroline
(Your Admin)

Are there any side effects of fish oil is a question that is often asked as Omega 3 fish oil is so highly recommended for health conditions - particularly depression.

As when taking any supplement you should always make sure you are buying a top quality product and you take it in accordance with the manufacturers instructions.

Before taking omega 3 fish oil or any supplement, you should always check with your doctor if you are already taking medication, especially any drugs that thin the blood, as it does thin the blood very slightly.

Some press reports have stated that fish oil contains high levels of toxins, including mercury, dioxins and PCBs. Look for a product that has been filtered to pharmaceutical standard, distilled and states the source, then you should have no concerns about toxins.

Make sure you receive the greatest benefit per capsule by choosing a brand that provides high levels of both EPA AND DHA that meet your requirements in the minimum number of capsules.

In conclusion I would say that the benefits far out weigh the side effects as anyone with depression will tell you, me included. The only side effect that I've personally heard reported is a fishy after taste.

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Side Effects of Fish Oil

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Feb 23, 2011
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Side Effects of Fish Oil & EFA's
by: Angie

I've heard that there can be some negative side effects of fish oil if the quality is not up to standard.

I personally prefer plant based essential fatty acids instead of fished based, but that's just a personal preference.

Here's a rather unusual "side effect" that my mother-in-law complains of if she takes too much fish oil. She said it makes her heart flutter.

One of the positive side effects that I'm aware of when taking the Omega 3,6, and 9 is improved bowel health.

One of the best things to help toddlers with constipation is to sprinkle some Salba grain on their food - it's tasteless and is a natural source of EFA's.

Hope that helps!
Blessings,
Angie

Feb 19, 2011
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Lower Blood Pressure
by: Luke

Pardon the intrusion... I'm not a woman... But I have to "roar" any way ;-P

For several years I've taken 2-3 capsules of wild Alaskan salmon oil. I do it for dry skin - after hearing a lecture by Dr. Perricone on how omega3's helped improve cell tissue in the brain (vague on exact wording). He went on to add, essentially, what was good for the brain was also good for the skin. To me that was brilliant! I didn't follow him per se, but I took notes.

After having a blood test for a racing heart (save the explanations), I was very surprised my doctor told me to take 4 capsules a day! I mentioned I had been taking 3 a day already... Dr: "so! add one more..."

Apparently, this was the good side effect of fish oil. I was dealing with higher blood pressure, and I believe it helped.

Consulting a doctor IS a good idea. If I had low blood pressure, my using it for so many years, might have changed things.

I'm just sayin!

By the way..., Caroline, as a fellow webmaster & SiteSell user, Great Site! (still working on mine over at chocolates-made-easy.com).

It was great to discover how you "Pay It Forward" by being real..., all "Powered By: Site Build It!" (bottom of most of your pages). Great community of people!

Thanks loads! It takes women like you to help us guys keep our ladies healthier, for an even longer life together with our children.
Here's to eating for life.
Luke

Feb 15, 2011
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Krill oil is best
by: Elizabeth

I have been taking fish oil for many years. I started with regular fish oil, but I also did not like the fishy after taste and sometimes my husband and I actually felt nauseated. After investigating I found that there are several reasons for this.

The mercury and toxins are one, but also some stores keep it on the shelf, not refrigerated. It must be fresh and stored properly. Make sure you are getting it from a safe source like krill oil and you trust the company that is selling it. Krill oil is less likely to have toxins and mercury as it comes from northern colder waters.

When you get your oil make sure that you refrigerate it and use it before its good until date.

I have R.A. and fish oil helps very much.

Feb 14, 2011
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Plant-based fish oil alternative
by: Ina

There are great plant-based alternatives to fish oil in order to get the essential omega 3 fatty acids, which will eliminate worries about mercury and other toxins, as well as the bad fishy taste.

Some sources state that the plant-derived omega 3 short-chain fatty acid ALA is less stable than the fish-derived long-chain versions EPA and DHA. This is true, however, the body can easily convert short ALA into long EPA and DHA, so plant-derived omega 3 can provide similar benefits as fish oil.

Adding omega 3 to your diet may even be less important than stabilizing what you already have, while making sure that the omega 6 fatty acids are decreased at the same time. Omega 3 is a highly unstable fatty acid, and a good intake of vitamin E will help stabilize your omega 3 supplies, so your body can make better use of them. Whole grains are superb providers of vitamin E - far better than fish.

The same enzymes that convert plant-based ALA into EPA and DHA are also responsible to convert omega 6 (LA) into omega 3 fatty acid.

It is important to lower fat consumption to a minimum in a healthy diet. Vegetable oils are very high in omega 6, which in turn requires a higher intake of omega 3 to balance it out.

Overall, if you keep your omega 6 intake low, your body requires less omega 3 for a healthy balance, and for optimum heart protection.

Good plant sources for omega 3 ALA are ground flax seeds, flax oil, walnuts, canola oil, and hemp seeds. There are also many plant-based supplements for pre-formed EPA and DHA.

Feb 10, 2011
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Bad aftertaste
by: Shelly

I heard a lot of good things about fish oil so decided to try it a few years ago. I had no particular problem just took it because it was so highly recommended.

It tastes AWFUL. Not just when you swallow it.....all day!

I tried taking it with food and still tasted it. I would rather run 4 miles a day than take any more fish oil.

Is there a way to minimize the aftertaste?

Does it get better?

Feb 09, 2011
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I've never had any side effects
by: Pat

I've been taking fish oil for years and have never noticed any side effects. I wonder if the reports were due to contaminants such as mercury?

Jan 31, 2011
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Glad To Hear There Are No Side Effects
by: Susanna M

I was really happy to come across this post!
My husband is a diabetic and has issues with cholesterol and we've been looking into alternative treatments.

It's always so hard knowing if the "natural" options out there are safe or beneficial.

We've heard so much about Fish Oil and I think I'm motivated to give it a try now.

Thanks!

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Side Effects of Fish Oil

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Side Effects of Fish Oil